[June 13, 2014]LINCOLN – The City of Lincoln
will hold a public hearing Monday, June 16, 2014, at 6:00 p.m.
to discuss the design plans for the Lincoln Depot grounds and the
possible closing of the Pekin Street railroad crossing downtown.
Architects and planners engaged by the Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) will be on hand to explain conceptual designs
for the grounds and the process that would be followed if the City
determines it is interested in closing the crossing.

The City of Lincoln has been cooperating with
IDOT in their implementation of the high speed rail project along
the Chicago to St. Louis Union Pacific/Amtrak line. In the interest
of providing the best possible travel experience for Amtrak riders,
the City recently acquired the Lincoln Depot from private owners for
the purpose of restoring it to its 1911 glory and using a portion of
the building as a waiting station for high speed rail travelers.
Federal high speed rail funds will be used to finance the project.
IDOT has engaged architects, engineers, and consultants to assist
Lincoln in the planning of the Depot restoration.

“According to the Illinois Commerce
Commission,” Snyder said, “Pekin Street has the smallest number
of daily vehicle crossings of any of the seven Amtrak crossings
in Lincoln. We don’t want to impede anyone’s ability to cross
the tracks, but Pekin Street seems to be a logical candidate for
closure. The closing will benefit the restored Depot and access
to it. We will also continue to have four crossings in each of
the four blocks immediately to the south as well as a crossing
two blocks to the north.”

The public is invited to attend the hearing
Monday evening to voice comments, pose questions, or simply gather
information.